EPROG 5

EPIRB PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE

USER GUIDE
 Contents
Scope ............................................................................................................ 1
Background .................................................................................................. 2
Serialised Protocol ..................................................................................... 2
MMSI Protocol ........................................................................................... 2
Radio Call Sign Protocol............................................................................. 2
Overview ....................................................................................................... 3
Installation ................................................................................................. 3
Input data .................................................................................................. 3
Program EPIRB ......................................................................................... 4
Print forms & labels .................................................................................... 4
Fit EPIRB rear label ................................................................................... 5
Fit enclosure label ...................................................................................... 5
Pack forms ................................................................................................ 5
Installation .................................................................................................... 6
System requirements ................................................................................. 6
Installing the software................................................................................. 6
Installing the USB ...................................................................................... 8
Programming Pen in Windows XP .............................................................. 8
Step 1 .............................................................................................................................. 8
Step 2 .............................................................................................................................. 8
Configuring EPROG5 to access the USB programming pen ........................ 9
Input data .................................................................................................... 10
Starting EPROG5..................................................................................... 10
Entering EPIRB programming data ........................................................... 11
Program the EPIRB..................................................................................... 13
If the EPIRB will not program .................................................................... 15
Print forms and labels ................................................................................ 16
EPIRB labels ........................................................................................... 17
Warranty form .......................................................................................... 18
Fit EPIRB Rear Label. ................................................................................. 19
Fitting the label to the EPIRB .................................................................... 19
Fit Enclosure Label..................................................................................... 19
Pack registration forms .............................................................................. 20
Printing other forms and labels.................................................................. 21
EPIRB programming certificate................................................................. 21
EPROG5 Options ........................................................................................ 22
Startup Section ........................................................................................ 22
 General Section ....................................................................................... 23
Programming Pen Section ........................................................................ 24
Form Printing Section ............................................................................... 25
Label Printing Section............................................................................... 27
Advanced Options Section........................................................................ 28
Adding new country code (MID) numbers .................................................. 29
Support ....................................................................................................... 30
REQUEST TO DEALERS ............................................................................. 30
 WARNING
This software is provided only to authorised dealers and
distributors. It must not be made available to third parties
or EPIRB end users. Programming of EPIRBs must be
carried out by an authorised dealer or approved service
centre only.

Improper use of this software to program an EPIRB could

prevent the unit from transmitting a valid distress
message in an emergency.

Dealers and Service Agents are reminded that the liability

for correct programming and labelling lies entirely with
the agent providing the service, and that this liability
extends to the standard of work provided by all persons
employed by, or recognised as providing service by, the
agent.

Scope
There are 3 brand specific OEM versions of EPROG5 software. These enable
authorised dealers and distributors to program the following beacons:

i McMurdo Smartfind/E5 and Smartfind Plus/G5

i Kannad Marine Manual and Auto EPIRBS
i Simrad EP50 and EG50
i Thrane and Thrane Sailor SGE406II and SE406II

Every 406MHz EPIRB must be coded with a unique identity before being
delivered to the customer. This must be done by either the manufacturer or
dealer; it cannot be done by the customer. The EPIRB and its automatic release
housing, if supplied, must be labelled with the unique programmed identity. The
EPIRB must also be registered with the national authority.

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Background
Every vessel is registered to one country, known as the vessel's flag state. An
EPIRB is always programmed with the same flag as the vessel. Each flag state
is allocated one or more 3-digit numbers (MID number); this number is
programmed into the EPIRB together with one of the following message
protocols -

Serialised Protocol
This is the simplest programming scheme used. Each EPIRB is allocated a
simple serial number, which is then programmed into it. The serial number can
be either assigned by the manufacturer or it can be assigned by the registration
authority.

MMSI Protocol
This programming scheme programs the vessel's mobile maritime station
identity (MMSI) number into the EPIRB. Many large ships have a MMSI number
assigned to them by their flag state authority, thus the MMSI protocol
automatically associates the EPIRB with the vessel and its registration country.
(For example, an MMSI of 278/123000 indicates the flag state number is 278
and the MMSI number is 123000.)

Radio Call Sign Protocol

This programming scheme is used by some countries that do not support the
MMSI protocol; instead, they require the radio call sign of the vessel to be used.
Many ships already have a radio call sign assigned to them by their flag state
radio licensing authority, thus the radio call sign protocol automatically
associates the EPIRB with the vessel and its registration country. Radio call
signs can be between four and seven characters long and usually consist of
letters followed by numbers, for example GKU23. This option is not
recommended for GPS beacons.

The choice of programming protocol used is often dictated by the registered flag
state authority. Some countries only allow serialised protocol, some require only
MMSI and others allow all three protocols. Where the choice of programming
protocol is imposed by the registration authority, the EPROG5 program will
automatically disable the disallowed options.

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Overview
The following section is a quick overview of the steps required to install the
programming software, program an EPIRB and print and apply the programming
labels and registration documents.

Installation
Refer to installation section for software installation instructions.

Input data
All data is entered onto a single form. The software automatically restricts the
options available depending on the type of EPIRB and the flag state selected.

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Program EPIRB
Programming transfers the data to the EPIRB through an infra-red link. The
EPIRB acknowledges the correct receipt of the data. Programming may be
repeated as often as desired to ensure that it has been received correctly.

Print forms & labels

It is extremely important that the necessary
documentation is printed. After the beacon has been
successfully programmed, the programming labels
must be printed and attached to the EPIRB. Where
applicable, the relevant enclosure label must also be
attached to the float-free enclosure.

The warranty and registration forms must also be

printed and passed to the customer.

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Fit EPIRB rear label
The printed label must be attached to the back of the
EPIRB before it is returned to the customer. The EPIRB
label contains vital information which must be displayed
on the beacon.

Fit enclosure label

Where applicable, the enclosure label
must be fitted to the side of the float-free
enclosure.

Pack forms
The EPIRB should be packed in its box together
with the User Manual and the completed forms.

-oOo-

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Installation
This section contains instructions for installing the software and hardware.
Please read the section completely before proceeding with the installation.

System requirements
The following minimum standard of hardware and software is required to run the
EPROG5 program:
i IBM compatible PC running either Windows 2000 with service
pack 4 or later, or Windows XP professional.
i Minimum of 128 Mb memory.
i Windows supported display capable of displaying at least 800x600
pixels with at least 16 colours (256 colours or more
recommended).
i 50Mb free disk space for the EPROG5 software and programming
pen drivers
i Free USB port for the programming pen.
i CDROM drive.
i Keyboard and mouse.
i Windows supported laser printer capable of printing at least 300dpi
on A4/US Letter size paper in black toner. (Inkjet printing is not
acceptable due to the fact it is not waterproof and can fade under
UV radiation.)
i McMurdo USB Programming pen and drivers.

Installing the software

The EPROG5 program is supplied on a CDROM disk or by download from the
McMurdo ftp file server (ftp://mcmurdo.co.uk/pub/Software/) In this case, the
downloaded file will need to be unzipped prior to installation.

Important: this software requires local administrator rights when

installing.

If a previous version of EPROG5 is installed on the computer, it will be

automatically removed as part of the installation process. In the event that the
previous version cannot be removed, the installation program will display a
message and abort. In this case the previous version must be removed
manually using the Add/Remove Programs applet in the Windows control
panel.

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To install the EPROG5 software from the distribution CDROM, insert the
EPROG5 distribution CD into your CDROM drive. After a short time the
EPROG5 installation will start automatically.

If the Windows auto-run feature is disabled, or the program fails to start for any
reason, click on the Windows Start button and select Run... from the pop-up
menu. When the dialog box appears, type D:\SYSTEM\SETUP.EXE, (where D
is the letter for your CDROM drive), and click on the OK button.

To install the EPROG5 software from a download from the McMurdo ftp server,
un-zip the downloaded file to a temporary folder using a proprietary file
compression program such as WinZip or 7-zip. Once the files have been
extracted, locate and run the file setup.exe to start the EPROG5 installation
process.

In both cases, follow the on screen instructions to complete the installation.

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Installing the USB Programming Pen in Windows XP

The USB programming pen drivers must be installed by an administrator, or a

user with administrator privileges.

The installation process consists of two steps; the Windows "Found New
Hardware" wizard will run twice once for the interface drivers and once for the
programming pen itself.

Step 1
Connect the USB programming pen to the PC after a short delay the Windows
"Found New Hardware" wizard should start.

1: When the wizard asks "What do you want the wizard to do?, select the
advanced option labelled "Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)",
and then click "Next>".
2: Select the "Search for the best driver in these locations." option.
3: Un-check the "Search removable media (floppy, CD-ROM...)" check box so
that the option is not selected.
4: Check the "Include this location in the search:" check box so that the option
is selected.
5: Click "Browse" to find the location of the CD-ROM drive that has this CD in it
and then click "OK".
6: Click "Next>". The wizard will begin to copy the drivers.
7: If a message about Windows Logo testing appears, click "Continue Anyway"
to finish loading the drivers.
8: Once the drivers are loaded click on "Finish".

Step 2
After a further short delay, the Windows "Found New Hardware" wizard will
automatically start again.

1: When the wizard asks "What do you want the wizard to do?, select the
advanced option labelled "Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)",
and then click "Next>".
2: Select the "Search for the best driver in these locations." option.
3: Un-check the "Search removable media (floppy, CD-ROM...)" check box so
that the option is not selected.
4: Check the "Include this location in the search:" check box so that the option
is selected.

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5: Click "Browse" to find the location of the CD-ROM drive that has this CD in it
and then click "OK".
6: Click "Next>". The wizard will begin to copy the drivers.
7: If a message about Windows Logo testing appears, click "Continue Anyway"
to finish loading the drivers.
8: Once the drivers are loaded click on "Finish".

The USB programming pen is now installed and ready for use with EPROG5.
Windows will automatically assign the next available COM port number to the
programming pen, in most cases this will be either COM3 or COM4; however
the exact number will depend on how many serial devices are already installed.

Configuring EPROG5 to access the USB programming pen

The USB programming pen should be plugged into the PC before running the
EPROG5 software. The EPROG5 program can be configured to use the
programming pen by selecting the correct COM port in the EPROG5 options
dialog. Click on the Options button on the main menu (refer to the Options
section of this manual).

To discover which COM port Windows has assigned to the USB programming
pen, examine the Ports section of the Windows device manager, accessed by
clicking the System applet in the Windows Control Panel.

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Input data
Starting EPROG5
To start the EPROG5 program either click on the EPROG5 desktop icon, or click
EPROG5 icon located in the Programs, McMurdo submenu from the Windows
Start button.

As the EPROG5 program loads, it will display a screen similar to the one below
(differs on OEM versions):

A welcome screen will then appear containing the latest information regarding
the program. After it has been read for the first time, this screen can be
prevented from appearing again by clicking on the box in the bottom left corner.
(It can be re-enabled if desired from the Options menu, as described later.)

After a short delay the main date entry form is displayed, as shown in the next
section.

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Entering EPIRB programming data

Serial Number Enter the EPIRB serial number. Type the serial number
exactly as it is shown on the label on the EPIRB as seen
through the EPIRB lens dome.

Battery expiry Select the correct battery expiry date as shown on the expiry
date label. Both the expiry month and year must be entered.

Brand In the Brand section, choose the correct brand from the drop-
down list. The brand is shown on the front of the EPIRB.

Mounting Select the EPIRB enclosure that will be supplied; the options
are Float Free, Wall Mounting Bracket and Non Float Free
Enclosure.

Name Enter the name of the vessel on which the EPIRB will be fitted
Note that the vessel name is limited to 20 characters, so
abbreviations may be necessary in some cases.

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Flag Select the vessel's flag state (MID) from the drop-down list.
Select 1..9 to display the list sorted in numerical order; select
A..Z to display it sorted in country name order.

If the required MID is missing from the list, select Add new
MID. Refer to the Options section for further details on adding
a new MID.

Countries which use MMSI coding of EPIRBs are often

allocated several MID numbers. If you are programming an
EPIRB with a MMSI, only the MID which is supplied as part of
the vessel's MMSI may be used. Never use an alternative
MID.

You may now choose to input an MMSI, a radio call-sign or a beacon serial
number by selecting the appropriate option button. Depending on the selected
flag state, some options may be unavailable. This is because the selected flag
state does not allow that option. Certain countries prefer serial numbers; in such
a case, the program only allows that selection. Where there is a choice, MMSI is
always the best selection and radio call-sign is the least desirable selection.

MMSI Enter the last 6 digits of the

MMSI. For example, for an
MMSI number 278/123000,
enter 123000 in this box.

Radio Call Sign Enter the vessel's call sign (4 to 7 alphanumeric characters eg
GKU23). This option should not be used if MMSI or C/S
Serial No options are available.

C/S Serial No. EPROG5 will calculate a serial number based on the serial
number of the beacon, which was entered into the beacons
serial number box.
Page 12
If the C/S number is not calculated by the program, a correct number must be
entered manually. In this case, the C/S serial number must be obtained from the
registration authority of the appropriate flag state. Local authorities usually
allocate blocks of serial numbers to agents within their country, or in some
cases, to the EPIRB manufacturer.

It is extremely important that only the correctly allocated number is

entered; the number must not be selected at random. Incorrect numbers
will seriously hamper rescue attempts and may cause problems when
registering with the appropriate national authority.

EPIRB number Leave this set to 1 if this is the first or only EPIRB on the
vessel. If there are two or more EPIRBs on the vessel, then it
is necessary to determine which EPIRB is being programmed
and to set the EPIRB number accordingly. It is common for
large vessels to have more than one EPIRB.

Program the EPIRB

Once all fields of the programming form have been completed,
the Program EPIRB button is enabled and the EPIRB can be
programmed.

Click the Program EPIRB button to open the programming information form:

This form shows the data which will be programmed into the EPIRB. If any
information is incorrect, click Change to return to the data input form to correct
it.

Click on the Program EPIRB button again to open the EPIRB

programming form:

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Follow the instructions to program the EPIRB:

Once programming is complete click on the Done button to return to the main
form.

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If the EPIRB will not program

If the red lamp on the EPIRB lights but goes off again after approximately
4 seconds without flashing, or if the strobe flashes, the EPIRB has not
been programmed.

Possible reasons why an EPIRB will not program:

The programming pen Ensure the programming pen is located as shown in

is not located correctly the software.
on the EPIRB
The programming pen Ensure the programming pen is plugged in correctly
is not connected to the and that the correct comms port is selected in the
computer EPROG5 program confirm that the red Tx LED is
flashing on the pen.
The EPIRB does not Try the programming with a different EPIRB
work
The USB port does not Try a different USB port in the PC
work
The programming pen Contact McMurdo Ltd. for a replacement
does not work

Page 15
Print forms and labels
After the EPIRB has been programmed, the labels, warranty form and
registration documents must be printed.

Click on the Print button to open the print options form; select the
required printed forms by clicking on the relevant options.

The Labels, Warranty Form and Registration Forms options are always
pre-selected as these are always required when an EPIRB is programmed.

The Programming Certificate may also be selected if required. A description

of each form is given later in this manual.

Click on the Print button again to print the selected items on the
printer.

EPROG5 displays the current print progress while the documents are being
printed.

Page 16
EPIRB labels
The printed form contains the EPIRB labels. It also contains the EPIRB
enclosure label if the automatic float free option was selected on the main data
input form. Since the labels are always required when an EPIRB is
programmed, this form should always be printed. The label(s) must be fixed to
the EPIRB as indicated in the relevant section of this manual.

Page 17
Warranty form

Page 18
Fit EPIRB Rear Label.
Remove this label from the labels sheet, cutting it such that the black border
remains visible.

EPIRB rear label cut from warranty form

Fitting the label to the EPIRB

If necessary, remove any previously fitted paper label from the rear of the
EPIRB, however, do NOT remove the manufacturer's coloured label. To ensure
good adhesion it will be necessary to remove any grease from the area of the
rear label where the sealing label will be fitted, using isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or
similar. Place the new label in the space provided and line it up with the edges
of the outline. Fit the self-adhesive sealing label over the entire label and seal
the edges.

Fit Enclosure Label

This label must be fitted when the EPIRB is supplied with an enclosure. If
necessary, remove any previously fitted paper label from the enclosure. To
ensure good adhesion it will be necessary to remove any grease from the area
of the enclosure where the sealing label will be fitted, using isopropyl alcohol
(IPA) or similar.

Remove the label from the labels sheet, cutting carefully around the inside of the
black border.

Locate the supplied large self-adhesive sealing label. Peel off the protective
backing and apply the paper label to the centre, leaving an even border around
each side. Fit the label to the left side of the enclosure, just above the rim, as
shown in the diagram.

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Pack registration forms
The beacon registration form is used by the EPIRB owner to register it with the
registration authorities. The EPIRB owner must register the EPIRB, as the
information provided in the form enables the rescue services to identify the
vessel in distress. This form should always be printed as soon as the EPIRB has
been programmed. All printed copies must be handed to the EPIRB owner.
(Two copies are spares for use if the EPIRB is transferred or sold).

IMPORTANT NOTE
The dealer must ensure that all relevant printed forms are supplied to the EPIRB
owner, correctly stamped with the dealers stamp.

Where the registration authority contact address is not printed on a form,

the dealer must also supply the correct address.

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Printing other forms and labels
In addition to the programming labels, warranty form and registration form, a
programming certificate may also be printed.

EPIRB programming certificate

This form provides a permanent record of the EPIRB programming. The form
must be certified by the dealer. The form is a requirement in Russia where it
must be provided to the Captain of the vessel to hold. In other countries, the
certificate is not currently a requirement; however it can be used to provide the
dealer with a permanent record of EPIRB programming if required.

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EPROG5 Options
It is possible to change several default settings of EPROG5, as described
below.

EPROG5 defaults to using the default Windows printer for printing labels and
registration forms. These settings, however, may be changed from the setup
and options page to suit the PC hardware in use.

To access the options page, click on the Options button on

the programs main form.

There are several sections in the options screen.

Startup Section

This option allows the welcome screen to be turned on or off when the software
is started..

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General Section

This option provides a full display of all programming information for diagnostic
purposes.

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Programming Pen Section

This section allows the selection of the COM port that the programming pen is
connected to. Select the USB Pen option to use the USB programming pen.

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Form Printing Section

This section allows selection of the printer used to print the warranty and
registration forms and the optional programming certificate. Click Select Printer
to open a dialog box and change the printer selection.

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In a network or corporate environment, the user may not have permission to
alter the PC printer settings. If this is the case, click the Use Windows Default
Printer option in the setup and options form.

The new printer selection will be stored so that it will be used as the default
printer next time the EPROG5 program is started.

IMPORTANT
The EPROG5 program scales any printed output to the paper size set by the
printer driver settings. This can cause the forms and the EPIRB labels to be
wrongly dimensioned when printed, especially if a very small or very large paper
size is selected.

The form layouts are optimised in the EPROG5 program to be printed at 100%
full size on A4 paper. Accordingly, A4 (or Letter) size paper should be used if
possible; otherwise the printed labels will not fit the EPIRB correctly.

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Label Printing Section

This section allows selection of the printer to be used to print the beacon
programming labels.

Select the Use for printer for printing labels option to use the same printer for
printing both labels and registration forms. Un-select this option to select an
alternative printer for printing labels. This is useful when you have more than
one printer and each printer is loaded with different paper stocks.

Normally, the programming labels are printed onto A4 or Letter size paper and
require each label to be cut out manually. Select the Use Pre-cut label media
option to have the labels printed on special pre-cut self-adhesive labels instead.
The special pre-cut media contains self-adhesive labels which can be simply
peeled from their backing sheet and applied to the EPIRB very quickly. Contact
the McMurdo service department for availability and suitability information for
the pre-cut labels.

The horizontal and vertical offset options are only used when the pre-cut media
is selected. The options allow the position of the printed data to be adjusted
slightly to ensure that the label data is printed in exactly the correct position on
the label. Each click of the adjustment moves the printed position by 0.1mm

Page 27
vertically or horizontally. These settings are remembered next time the EPROG5
software is run, so they normally only require setting once.

Advanced Options Section

This section allows selection of advanced options, and should be used with
care.

Selecting the Enable Additional Beacon Numbers options increases the

maximum number of beacons that can be programmed with an identical MMSI
number or radio call-sign. Normally there is a limit of 10 beacons that may be
programmed this way, however selecting this option increases this number to 16
for MMSI programming or 36 for radio call-sign programming.

The Enable Alternative Serial Numbers Where Allowed option is for advanced
users only. It allows alternative serial number programming protocols to be
selected where the selected national authority allows. At present only a very few
countries allow this option.

Page 28
Adding new country code (MID) numbers
EPROG5 recognises all published registration flag state numbers currently in
use. From time to time, countries are assigned new MID numbers In order to
use these new MID numbers in EPROG5, they will need to be added so that
EPROG5 will recognise them.

At present, there is no method available to delete an MID number once it

has been added, therefore it is important that only officially published MID
codes are used.

EPROG5 will only allow adding additional numbers for countries that already
exist, therefore, you can only extend the MID range of existing countries, you
cannot add countries that are not currently supported.

To add a new MID number to an existing country, click on the Add New MID
Number button on the main form. EPROG5 program displays the New MID
form.

Select the existing country from the drop down list, then, enter the new MID
code required for the country in the New Country Code box. The up and down
arrow buttons can be used to quickly scroll through the new numbers that are
available. Finally, click on the OK button to save the new MID number. The
new MID number is remembered so that it will always be available for future
use.

From time to time McMurdo will release updates version of EPROG5. In the
updated version, where an MID number has been added by the user that
clashes with an officially published MID number, the officially published number
will be used and the user added MID number will be ignored.

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Support
If a problem arises with the operation of EPROG5 that cannot be resolved using
the manual, product support is available directly from the manufacturers.

The preferred method of contact is by email, giving a description of the problem

and a brief summary of the PC hardware / software being used, to one of the
following addresses -

Customerservice@mcmurdo.co.uk
Customerservices@mcmurdo.co.uk
Customerservice@mcmurdomarine.com
Customerservice@Kannadmarine.com

Alternatively, telephone your usual sales contact or contact the company in

writing:

Customer Service Department

McMurdo Ltd
Silver Point
Airport Service Road
Portsmouth
PO3 5PB
ENGLAND

Telephone +44 (0)23 9262 3900

Facsimile +44 (0)23 9262 3998 / 3999

REQUEST TO DEALERS
McMurdo Ltd employs a process of continual product improvement. To help us
provide the best possible product, please send us your comments and
suggestions regarding the operation of this software.

We welcome your comments - any incorrect details, such as registration

authority addresses, contact details etc. can be reported to one of the following
email addresses

software.support@mcmurdo.co.uk
softwaresupport@mcmurdo.co.uk

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Page 31
 Disclaimer
The information and illustrations contained in this publication are to the best of our
knowledge correct at the time of going to print. We reserve the right to change
specifications, equipment, installation and maintenance instructions without notice
as part of our policy of continuous product development and improvement. No part
of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in
any form, electronic or otherwise without permission in writing from McMurdo Ltd..
No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions in this publication,
although every care has been taken to make it as complete and accurate as
possible.

McMurdo Ltd
Silver Point
Airport Service Road
Portsmouth PO3 5PB
United Kingdom
+44 (0)23 9262 3900
www.mcmurdo.co.uk

82-625N Issue 3